FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY
The present disclosure relates luggage gear and more specifically backpacks for carrying elongated items such as, but not limited to, long guns.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
There are challenges for military and other personnel to carry long guns such as rifles and recoilless weapon systems. Rifles may be carried on slings but are exposed to damage and other problems. Rifles may be carried in cases but these are bulky and cumbersome for field use. Backpacks are helpful for many items, but are inadequately sized for long guns. Some personnel may also have a need for a gear bag for other accessories and items needed for rifle usage in the field.
Some current backpacks that carry firearms or elongated items use a scabbard or strap design making them bulky, loud, and deny the user to a workspace that is minimalist, fast, and precise. Other firearm packs are designed around a scabbard that is incorporated or removable from the pack. U.S. Pat. No. 10,299,571 by Glen Eberle discloses such a backpack. Products on the market include offerings such as the Eberlestock Lodrag Pack, Eberlestock Team Elk Pack. Such backpacks allow for carrying a rifle by placing it in a scabbard attached to the backpack, but require a bottom enclosure such as a pouch or scabbard to keep the firearm carried with the backpack. U.S. Pat. No. 9,961,986 by Dieguez discloses a sporting weapon backpack to carry a rifle, but still utilizes a pouch to carry a firearm, only by having the muzzle protrude beyond the top of the backpack, and limits the size of the firearm that can be carried because the pouch is within the perimeter of the backpack and thus prohibiting longer rifles to be carried with their stocks protruding beyond the bottom of the backpack's limits. Other options include products such as the Eberlestock Scope Cover and Crown Protector, which is wrap-around pad intended for transporting a rifle by a carry handle. However, this also entails a scabbard type approach, with the barrel residing in an enclosure. These options do not offer a secure fitment for the rifle, and are limited to firearms based on size and overall length. Furthermore, the barrel being retained by a lower enclosure of a scabbard results in undue wear on the fabric from the jostling and friction from the rifle barrel on the scabbard, risking a hole forming through the bottom and the rifle eventually falling out. The utilization also added bulk to the pack and could limit mobility.
The above concerns are addressed by providing a backpack for a rifle that has an elongated body with a barrel having a muzzle at one end and a buttstock at an opposed end; the backpack having a back panel having an outer surface and an inner surface, an upper edge, and opposed lower edge, a first lateral side edge, and an opposed second lateral side edge. The backpack has a pair of shoulder straps connected to the back panel and adjacent to the forward surface, such that a user may position the outer surface against his back with the shoulder straps about his shoulders. There is a cover portion connected to one of the back panel first and second side edges, and having an elongated fastener selectably connected to the other one of the back panel first and second side edges. The cover portion includes a storage compartment, and the back panel inner surface includes a rifle support facility configured to removably support the rifle with the muzzle protruding beyond one of the top or bottom edges, and the buttstock protruding beyond the other of the top or bottom edges. While the embodiment disclosed in the paragraphs below is oriented towards weaponry, the pack and support facility can accommodate various objects, elongated or non-elongated, such as but not limited to sporting goods, such as fishing rods, tents, poles, skis, and tools.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The subject matter regarded as the technology is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The backpack, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows a rear right angled view of a user wearing the backpack closed with a weapon retained.
FIG. 2 a left side view of a user wearing the backpack closed with a weapon retained.
FIG. 3 shows a front view of the backpack closed with a weapon retained being worn by a user.
FIG. 4 shows the backpack opened with a weapon retained and being worn by a user.
FIG. 5 shows a right lateral view of the backpack with a weapon retained in a closed configuration having a first support fastener engaged.
FIG. 6 shows a right lateral view of the backpack with a weapon retained in a closed configuration having a second support fastener engaged.
FIG. 7 shows a left lateral view of the backpack closed.
FIG. 8 shows the interior of the backpack opened and without a weapon retained.
FIG. 9 shows the front and back of the backpack in an open configuration.
FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of the back panel empty.
FIG. 11 shows a frame.
FIG. 12 shows a top view of the backpack closed with a weapon retained.
FIG. 13 shows a bottom-up view of the backpack closed with a weapon retained.
FIG. 14 shows a front view of the backpack not being worn and not retaining a rifle.
FIG. 15 shows a top-down view of the backpack without a rifle retained.
FIG. 16—shows a bottom-up view of the backpack with a stock protruding.
FIG. 17 shows the backpack in an open configuration with an internal compartment opened.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT
The term front element and front panel are interchangeable. The term support element and support panel are interchangeable.
FIG. 1 is a right angled view of the backpack 10 being worn by a user (dashed lines) and retaining a rifle 16 having a barrel 12 protruding upwards and a stock 14 protruding downwards. The backpack has a cover element 20, also referred to hereafter as a cover panel, having a top end 22, bottom end 24, front face 32, and a first lateral side 26. The backpack further has a support element 50, also referred to hereafter as a support panel, here shown in contact with the user's back and worn by user via a first carrying facility 70, with a top end 52, bottom end 54, and a first lateral side 56. There is a first support fastener 40 having a first part 42 connected to the first lateral side 26 of the cover element, and a second part 44 connected to the first lateral side 56 of the support element. There is a second support fastener 45 being a linear element having a first part 46 and second part 47. When the backpack is in a closed configuration, the first part of 42 of the first support fastener 40 may connect with the second part 44 to secure the cover element to the support element. When the backpack is in a closed configuration, the first part of the second support fastener can wrap around the front face of the cover portion to engage with second part, securing the cover element to the support element. The first support fastener and second support fastener may work independently of each other. The rifle barrel protrudes from between the top ends 22 and 52 of the cover panel and support panel respectively. The stock protrudes from between the bottom ends 24 and 54 of the cover panel and support panel respectively.
FIG. 2 is a left lateral view of the backpack 10 with a retained rifle 16 being worn by a user (dashed lines). Said rifle having a barrel 12 protruding from between the top end 22 of the cover element 20 and top end 52 of the support element 50. Said rifle further has a stock 14 protruding from between the bottom end 24 of the cover element and bottom end 54 of the support element. The backpack being in a closed position having the front face 32 of the cover element oriented predominantly away from the back face 62 of the support element. The first part 46 of the second support fastener is shown connected to the second lateral side 60 of the support element and going from the support element, towards and around the cover element, to interface with its corresponding second part 47 (not shown but depicted in FIG. 1) that is connected to the first lateral side 56 (not shown but depicted in FIG. 1). Also shown is a first lateral fastener 80 having a first part 82 connected to the second lateral side 30 of cover element interfacing with a second part 84 connected to the second lateral side 60 of the support element. A second lateral fastener 90 is shown having a first part 92 connected to the second lateral side 30 of cover element interfacing with a second part 94 connected to the second lateral side 60 of the support element.
FIG. 3 is a front view of backpack 10 being worn by a user (dashed lines) and retaining a rifle 16. The rifle having a barrel 12 protruding from between the top end 22 of the cover element 20 and top end 52 (not visible here, see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the support element 50 (not visible here, see FIGS. 1 and 2). The rifle further has a stock 14 protruding from between the bottom end 24 of the cover element and bottom end 54 of the support element (not visible here, see FIGS. 1 and 2). The cover panel further having a, first lateral side 26, second lateral side 30, and a front face 32. The front view shows the front face that faces away from the user's back when worn.
FIG. 4 depicts the backpack 10 being worn by a user and in an open configuration with a rifle 16 retained. The rifle having a barrel 12 protruding beyond the top end 52 of the support element 50, and a stock 14 protruding from beyond the bottom end 54 of the support element. The rifle is retained to the support element by at least one internal fastener 114. The cover element 20 having a top end 22, bottom end 24, first lateral side 26, a second lateral side 30, rear face 34, and a compartment 36. There is also a support element 50 having a top end 52, bottom end 54, and first lateral side 56, a second lateral side 60 (not visible here), front face 64, and an attachment facility 102. The bottom end may have an opening that is kept in a closed position by a fastener 66 (not visible here, see FIG. 16) or the bottom end may be more permanently bound by means such as sewing. In the embodiment shown here, the attachment facility includes a front panel 104 defining a series of vertical 106 and horizontal 110 openings, attached to the front face 64 and overlaying a frame element 112 (not visible here, see FIG. 10) that is internal to the support element. Also attached to the attachment facility is at least one internal fastener 114 capable of at least partially retaining a firearm. Attached to the cover element 20 back face 34 is a storage facility 112. The openings are one embodiment that allow for attachment of accessories or fasteners. As shown in the embodiment at least one internal fastener 114 is secured to the panel 104 and frame 112 by being passed through one vertical slit, traverses beneath the panel and frame, and passes through another vertical slit, with mateable ends of a buckle connected to one another.
FIG. 5 illustrates a right lateral view of the embodiment of the backpack 10 having a cover element 20 having a top end 22, bottom end 24, first lateral side 26, and front face 32. The figure further shows a support element 50 with a top end 52, bottom end 54, first lateral side 56, and back face 62. There is a first support fastener 40 having a first part 42 connected to the first lateral side 26 of the cover element, and a second part 44 connected to the first lateral side 56 of the support element. There is a second support fastener 45 being a linear element having a first part 46 and second part 47. The first part of the second support fastener is attached to the second lateral side of the support element, and the second part of the second support fastener is attached to the first lateral side of the support element. When the backpack is in a closed configuration, the first part wraps around the front face of the cover portion to engage with its second part, securing the cover element to the support element, as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 5 shows the two parts 46 and 47 disengaged, FIG. 6 shows the two parts engaged. Having both parts of the second support fastener attached to the support element provides increased stability when the backpack is in the closed configuration. There is further a first carrying facility 70, shown in this embodiment as two backpack straps, a second carrying facility 72 comprised of a first part 74 connected to the cover element's first latera side 26 and second part 76 connected to the first lateral side 56 of the support element. In another embodiment one of the fastener ends is attached directly to the cover portion.
FIG. 6 depicts the backpack 10 of the previous figures of with a rifle 16 retained in the pass-through element 116. The rifle having a barrel 12 protruding from between the top end 22 of the cover element 20 and top end 52 of the support element 50, and a stock 14 protruding from between the bottom end 24 of the cover element and bottom end 54 of the support element. The rifle is retained to the support element by at least one internal fastener 114. The backpack being in a closed position having the back face 34 of the cover element oriented predominantly towards the front face 64 of the support element. The cover element and support element being kept towards each other by utilization of at least one support fastener, here the second support fastener 45 from having the first part 46 interfacing with the second part 47. The first part of the second support fastener is attached to the second lateral side of the support element, and the second part of the second support fastener is attached to the first lateral side of the support element. When the backpack is in a closed configuration, the first part wraps around the front face of the cover portion to engage with its second part, securing the cover element to the support element In other embodiments the first support fastener 40, could be used as in FIG. 5, alone or in conjunction with other support fasteners, by having the first part 42 interfacing with the second part 44.
FIG. 7 illustrates an left lateral view of the backpack 10 having a cover element 20 with a top end 22, bottom end 24, second lateral side 30, and front face 32. There is also a support element 50 having a top end 52, bottom end 54, second lateral side 60, and back face 62. The cover element and support element are connected 86 by their respective second lateral sides. There is further a first lateral fastener 80 having a first part 82 attached to the second lateral side 30 of the cover element and a second part 84 attached to the second lateral side 60 of the support element, a second lateral fastener 90 having a first part 92 attached to the second lateral side 30 of the cover element and a second part 94 attached to the second lateral side of the support element. A lateral containment element 100 is connected to the bottom end 24, bottom end 54, second lateral side 30, and second lateral side 60. The lateral containment element may hold auxiliary weapons and equipment, such as tripods and tubular missile launchers, secured by the first lateral 80 and second lateral 90 fasteners.
FIG. 8 illustrates the backpack 10 in an open condition with a cover element 20 having a top end 22, bottom end 24, first lateral side 26, a second lateral side 30, rear face 34, and a compartment 36. There is also a support element 50 having a top end 52, bottom end 54, and first lateral side 56, a second lateral side 60, front face 64, and an attachment facility 102. The bottom end may have an opening that is kept in a closed position by a fastener 66 (not visible here, see FIG. 13 and FIG. 16) or the bottom end may be more permanently bound by means such as sewing. In the embodiment shown here, the attachment facility includes a front panel 104 attached to the front face 64 and overlaying a frame element 112 that is internal (not visible here, see FIG. 10) to the support element. The font panel defines a series of vertical 106 and horizontal 110 openings. The attachment facility has at least one internal fastener 114 capable of at least partially retaining a firearm. Attached to the cover element 20 back face 34 is a storage facility 112. The openings are one embodiment that allow for attachment of accessories or fasteners. For example, as shown in the embodiment at least one internal fastener 114 is passed through one vertical slit, traverses beneath the attachment facility, and passes through another vertical slit, with mateable ends of a buckle connected to one another. In other embodiments the internal fastener may avoid utilizing the frame altogether, may have a different mechanism such being tied, or may utilize a retaining approach such as a hook and loop, brackets and clamps. This is a non-exhaustive list of approaches and embodiments.
FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the backpack 10 in an open condition with a cover element 20 and support element 50 on the same lateral plane. The cover element having a top end 22, bottom end 24, a first lateral side 26 a second lateral side 30, and a front face 32. The support element has a top end 52, bottom end 54, first lateral side 56, second lateral side 60, and back face 62. The cover element and support element are connected 86 by their respective second lateral sides, and have a reinforcing member 96 running along at least a portion of the connection 86. There is a first part 46 of a second support fastener 45 connected to the second lateral side 60 of the support element, and a second part 47 of a second fastener 45 is connected to the first lateral side 56 of the support element. A lateral containment element 100 is connected to the bottom end 24, bottom end 54, second lateral side 30, and second lateral side 60. There is further a first carrying facility 70, shown in this embodiment as two backpack straps, and a second carrying facility 72 comprised of a first part 74 connected to the cover element's first lateral side 26 and second part 76 connected to the first lateral side 56 of the support element. In the open condition, the front face 32, back face 62 are oriented in predominantly the same direction and the first part 72 is oriented away from the second part 74.
FIG. 10 is a focused view of the front view of the support element 50 in the embodiment of FIG. 4, specifically the attachment facility 102. The attachment facility includes a panel 104 attached to the front face 64 of the support element, a frame 112 internal, depicted here as a dashed line and visible through the vertical slits towards the second lateral side 60 of the support element. The present embodiment discloses at least one internal fastener 114 to retain equipment such as a rifle. In other embodiments the internal fastener may be used alone, or in conjunction with other internal fasteners of the same or different kind to secure other equipment. The frame is angled to keep retained elongated objects, such as a rifle, away from the user's head.
FIG. 11 shows the frame 112 removed from the support element 50. In this embodiment, the frame is a metal rectangular periphery with single vertical 122 and single horizontal 124 cross-support feature perpendicular to one another and to the periphery of the frame. In other embodiments, the frame may be made of non-metal materials, including but not limited to ceramic, carbon fiber, polymer, or wood. Embodiments may include a frame having more cross-support features, oriented non-perpendicular to one another or to the periphery. Embodiments of the frame may also include a greater number of cross-support features.
FIG. 12 shows a top-down view of the backpack 10 of FIG. 1. The backpack securing a rifle 16 having a barrel 12 protruding from between the top end 22 of the cover panel 20 and top end 52 of the support panel 50. The rifle traverses through a pass-through element 116 formed between the cover panel and support panel. Two parts of a first carrying facility 70, backpack straps in this embodiment, are connected to the rear face 62 of the support panel.
FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom-down view of the backpack 10 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 12, depicting the continuation of the pass through 116 as further defined by the backpack having a cover element 20 having a bottom end 24, first lateral side 26, second lateral side 30, and a front face 32, a support element 50 having a top end 52, first lateral side 56, second lateral side 60, back face 62, and a first carrying facility 70, here seen as one of two backpack straps. The cover element's bottom end 34 and support elements bottom end 54 are not connected, except in this embodiment at the joining of their corresponding second lateral sides, thereby further defining the pass-through element 116 when the pack is in a closed configuration. The support element having an opening (not visible here) at its bottom end that can be maintained in a closed position by a bottom fastener 66. A rifle stock 14 protrudes from between the bottom end 24 of the cover panel and bottom end 54 of the support panel.
FIG. 14 is a front view of backpack 10 having a cover element 20, also referred to hereafter as a cover panel, 20, having a top end 22, bottom end 24, front surface 32 and a first lateral side 26.
FIG. 15 illustrates a top-down view of an embodiment in a closed configuration as a backpack 10 with a cover element 20 having a top end 22, first lateral side 26, second lateral side 30, and a front face 32, a support element 50 having a top end 52, first lateral side 56, second lateral side 60, back face 62, and a first carrying facility 70, here depicted as two backpack straps. There is also a first fastener 40, depicted here as a zipper, comprised of a first part 42 connected to the first lateral side 26 of the cover element, and a second part 44 connected to the first lateral side 56 of the support element. The cover element's second lateral side 30 is connected to the support element's second lateral side 60. The cover element's top end 22 and support elements top end 52 are not connected, except in this embodiment at the joining of their corresponding second lateral sides, thereby defining a pass-through element 116 when the pack is in a closed configuration.
FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom-down view of the FIG. 8 embodiment, depicting the continuation of the pass through 116 as further defined by the backpack having a cover element 20 having a bottom end 24, first lateral side 26, second lateral side 30, and a front face 32, a support element 50 having a top end 52, first lateral side 56, second lateral side 60, back face 62, and a first carrying facility 70, here depicted as two backpack straps. There is also a first fastener 40, depicted here as a zipper comprised as previously described. The cover element's second lateral side 30 is connected to the support element's second lateral side 60. The cover element's bottom end 34 and support elements bottom end 54 are not connected, except in this embodiment at the joining of their corresponding second lateral sides, thereby further defining the pass-through element 116 when the pack is in a closed configuration. The support element having an opening at its bottom end that can be maintained in a closed position by a bottom fastener 66. A rifle stock 14 protrudes from between the bottom end 24 of the cover panel and bottom end 54 of the support panel.
FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the pack 10 as in previous figures, specifically FIG. 8, in an open condition with the internal storage facility 120 in an open condition. The internal storage facility opens to define a workspace that can have its own means for retaining accessories, such as having an internal surface 122 made of hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesive, or other means for attachment. The internal storage facility can be used to retain accessories such as a rigid folder 124 for marking maps, magazine carriers 126, or other attachments for quick and easy attachment and removal as the user requires.
In other embodiments, the front panel 104 may be connected to the front face 64, the opposing side of the back face 62 (not visible), the frame 112, or any combination thereof. In further embodiments the attachment facility 102 may include a front panel 104 without a frame 120, or a frame without a front panel. Embodiments with only a frame may have the frame connected to the support facility directly, or be internal to the facility. The front face may cover partially or completely the panel or frame. The frame 112 may be internal, or external to the front panel. If external shoulder straps attached directly to the frame, and an added weight carrying zone between the cover panel and support panel would be created. The cover panel as drawn would then cinch down onto the frame and or heavy load.
In other embodiments the weapon retained may be a weapon other than a rifle, including but not limited to one or more handguns, a man-portable missile launcher such as a FGM-148 Javelin, RPG-7, or one or more recoilless guns such as an AT4 or LAW. In further embodiments the space between the top ends 22 and 52, bottom ends 24 and 54, or both may have a filler or closing flap between them.
In other embodiments the rifle may be retained by a sling, scabbard, pouch, or case that is at least partially retained to the attachment facility.
The pack further allows a rifle to be restrained in an orientation where the barrel is between the bottom ends 24 and 54, and the stock protrudes between the top ends 22 and 52 in the figures previously discussed.
Patent Application
20240292938
